The most successful films about that most enormous of subjects, the holocaust, often take a sideways glance rather than stare full on at the horror; and 'The Island on Bird Street' does likewise, telling the story of a boy left behind after the clearance of the Warsaw ghetto. Unfortunately, the psychology of the child is never satisfactorily realised, turning the film into a mere linear sequence of events, almost like a Boys' Own adventure with little of the context seeping through. The story also ends short of the arrival of the Russians, which might have added a little moral complexity; and overall, seems to suffer from the decision use an English script, especially as some characters put on central European accents and others do not. A reliable plus is Zbigniew Priesner's typically excellent score, but there are other films that offer more real insight into the true nature of life under the Nazi's; for example, try the Czech-set 'Divided we Fall'.

My soul bleeds. I'm sorry for Alex. I am glad with Alex. I was cold with Alex. I was jealous of Alex, I wanted to be alex. and music by Zbigniew Preisner. words are insufficient. I need to find the Blu * ray edition.

So, the setting of this is essentially a story about a kid living in the ghetto with his uncle and his father in Poland under Nazi occupation. The nazis just love rounding up people and murdering the hell out of them because they are evil. Anyhow, this kid is basically all alone and in hiding in these mostly demolished buildings. This film is his tale. The story was excellent. Anybody who watches too many movies about the holocaust or ww2 should do themselves a favor and check this out if it's available to them.

Left alone to fend for himself in the rubble of the Warsaw ghetto, 11 year old Alex (Jordan Kiziuk) must try to survive and also avoid the ever-present Nazi soldiers in this gripping, intensely moving film. The viewer becomes totally involved with Alex and his plight, as he courageously and inventively continues to avoid detection. The acting, particularly that of young Kiziuk and the late Jack Warden as his kindly uncle Baruch, is superb. The dialog is fairly sparse, letting Alex's expressions and body language show his fears and emotions, which are masterfully rendered. The production design is incredible, and one feels transported to that time and place. The musical score is appropriately somber and haunting, and the cinematography stunning. Some reviewers have commented on the British accents of several characters, but I don't feel that it's a detriment. Overall, an outstanding cinematic achievement, deserving of its many awards. Appropriate for older children (12 and up),though there are several scenes that contain violence. Well worth seeking out, this is a film you won't easily forget. Highest recommendation.